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No outline for my story!
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Jasmine
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Mar 11, 2014 03:00PM
Okay, I have already started writing my paranormal novel and I am on chapter 16. I keep having writers block, but what I found out is that if I read my story right from the beginning when I have writers block and make it better as I am re-reading it, it helps me think of a new thing to write. I was wondering why, but I asked for advice and they said I needed to do an outline for my story. The problem is, if I start writing my outline I feel like I am just rewriting my whole story again without as much details. I should have written it before I started, but it's too late to turn back now. What should I do? Continue writing the outline I have? Skip the outline all together?
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I usually start with an outline, but rarely stick to it. I always have crazy plot twists in my head. I had a block on my last book, so I had to find the write inspiration to get me writing and inspire a scene. For me, it was a trip to the beach. Sitting there, thinking about how the sand use to be shells and old plant life inspired a beautiful beach scene. Another inspiration came from an old pewter mug, looked like something straight out of a movie. So maybe you will find your inspiration in something. I am stuck on an old book right now, but not passionate about it. You sound like you are passionate about yours so keep looking!
Thanks, Briana. I am passionate about this book. It is the first book I have ever written. I might just try your technique. It might help me instead of re-reading my text over and over.
It's called a synopsis, Jasmine, it's like a blueprint we author's follow, I usually wait until I have the first few chapters written before I sit down to write mine. And the re-reading each time you start to write is definitely a good thing, it's what I do.
i have a loose outline and have an idea of beginning, middle, and end. the outline is like signposts for various big scenes. sometimes when i write, the story might drastically change.so plot out your story and then ask 'what if'. if you have an idea for the end, start there and work your way back. sometimes that might help get the creative juices going.
I don't use an outline. Often I don't know what's going to happen until the characters tell me the story, but my work is all character driven. Many writers don't use an outline. I know more who don't than who do.
lolz, it's all good :) my loose outline keeps me from getting lost. and by loose , i mean only i know how the story will play out, but it's all the inbetween stuff that can change once my crazy kids (characters) tell their stories. if their actions drastially change my outline (like change how the book ends) i have to throw the outline out and see what happens.
A technique I use when blocked on a story is to write something else entirely. I write in multiple genres so that gives me a break. Then of course I have to re-read when I go back to a story. Some starts have sat abandoned for months. Some flow steadily and then I wonder off on a different type of story.I have also done the long walk, churning scenes in my head until I work it out. Occasionally I jot a few bullet points down as a very high level outline otherwise I just go where the story takes me.
So many great tips! Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to comment and help me; I really appreciate it.I am glad that everyone gives me different tips so that I have a clear picture, now, of what I need to do to get my story going the way I want it. It helps a whole lot to know that I'm not alone and I'm not the only one who doesn't use an outline for my work. :)
Philip wrote: "A technique I use when blocked on a story is to write something else entirely. I write in multiple genres so that gives me a break. Then of course I have to re-read when I go back to a story. Some..."Reminds me, sometimes writing in another form entirely helps, too. A short story, short-short or drabble (these are great because they force you to take a story down to its essence). Poetry and haiku can be helpful, too, for the same reason.
Jasmine wrote: "Okay, I have already started writing my paranormal novel and I am on chapter 16. I keep having writers block, but what I found out is that if I read my story right from the beginning when I have wr..."I personally keep very rough outline made of index cards (one event per card). I will try to explain this as simply as possible, basically I write as I go. I start out with maybe three note cards. They are labeled with a number with red ink (usually but I use different colors for different things). As I write I go over the number with black ink when I write it into the storyline. I also add in note cards as I write the events, now the "severity" of the event and who it effects determines the color and a black dot gets put beside it. When I have great ideas about sticking this event in 10k down the road I make a note card and label it with a cool colored ink (blue, green, purple, ect) and the actual color pick is a bit complicated to explain. When/if that event gets written in I shadow the number with black ink. If I take events out I leave the note card in and just do a single strike through the number in orange.
Now, my numbering system is a little wonky so i'm not going to explain it, but I will say that the original system I took this from just renumbered things every time an event got added in.
Take what you want from that, this is just how I outline and how I keep writers block down. I always have little event ideas in there ahead of where I have written to and those help if I review them. I will also write little scenes that go with character backgrounds (very detailed and thick) if I get writer's block that I set aside and look at later to see if I want to keep.
Jasmine wrote: "What should I do?"Experiment until you find what works for you. There are a lot of methods to writing. What works for one write may not for the next. I cannot stand using an outline. I've tried it and I always end up frustrated and feel like I'm pushing a bowling ball through a straw or I skip so far off the outline that in a few chapters it is completely forgotten. Some people can work with one and some insist on it.
My method of dealing with writers' block is to put the story aside and work on something else for a while, then come back to it. I abhor writers' block and keep a notebook with dozens of story ideas in it so if I'm stuck on one I can jump into something else for a while. It may not work for you, but it keeps me going.
Thank you so much, Irene. After I read the comment a few times, I figured out what you were trying to say. I think that's a wonderful idea and I will definitely try that technique!
Thank you, Dwayne. I have heard that that works. I, too, keep a notebook (it's actually close to seven) full of new story ideas. Sometimes I think it's just best to finish the one story I'm writing before I write four at a time, or however many stories others decide to write. I guess that would be the only thing left to do when you haven't had a single idea for six months. I'll try that, too and maybe I'll finally get something done. Merci Beaucoup!
Jasmine wrote: " Sometimes I think it's just best to finish the one story I'm writing before I write four at a time..."And that may well be what works best for you. I have read several books on writing that encourage one to finish a project before moving on. I used to try that, but found I'm happier if I push a project to the side a while when it's giving me a headache and then come back to it, later. What I have learned is a hard truth - and maybe this just applies to me, but I have a feeling it applies to some other writers, too - is that some stories just are not meant to be, or at least they just aren't meant to be right now.
You have a great point, Dwayne. I haven't read any books on writing, but I do read author blogs and they all say to do what works best for you. I think both may work in different senarios. It's always good to have your options and I believe that if you are open to many modes of writing, you will succeed. I have already used your advice and started writing a story that I have been dying to write for a while. It's turning out great and I am already getting new ideas for my initial story. Thank you so much for bringing it up, or my initial story would never be finished as I would get extremely tired of it. :)
Jasmine wrote: "I haven't read any books on writing, but I do read author blogs and they all say to do what works best for you... I have already used your advice and started writing a story that I have been dying to write for a while. It's turning out great and I am already getting new ideas for my initial story. "First, you may want to read a few books on writing. There are some really great ones out there. Not all advice they give will work for everyone, but you can usually find something that will work for you.
Second, yay! I'm glad you're making progress! Have fun!
Thank you! And good luck woth your own writing!
Jasmine wrote: "Thank you so much, Irene. After I read the comment a few times, I figured out what you were trying to say. I think that's a wonderful idea and I will definitely try that technique!"Glad you understood it! I find it hard to describe to people without showing them how I do things...
